Imaging-Based Wave Intensity Analysis: Applications in Congenital Heart Disease

Wave intensity analysis is a hemodynamic index evaluating the working condition of the heart in relation to the rest of the vasculature [1]. As such it carries valuable mechanistic information on ventriculo-arterial (VA) coupling. Its applications have ranged from studies of cardiac assist devices to fetal studies. Our group has proposed a way to derive wave intensity from phase-contrast magnetic resonance (PCMR) data [2]. We now suggest that this technique has a duple potential: (a) comparing patients against healthy subjects to investigate VA coupling and mechanistic changes related to surgery or devices, and (b) providing measures and indices to assess hemodynamic scenarios adding valuable mechanistic considerations. We aim to show both applications in the complex field of congenital heart disease. In the first instance, we will use this methodology to assess changes in wave speed and VA coupling in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) repaired with arterial switch operation and palliated with atrial switch. In the second case, we will assess the potential of wave intensity-derived parameters for detecting diastolic dysfunction, and we selected a small population of patients with congenital aortic stenosis as a first suitable study cohort.